Principal Systems Engineer salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Principal Systems Engineer in United States is approximately 150,094 USD (150,069 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Principal Systems Engineer do?

A Principal Systems Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of complex systems within an organization. They play a crucial role in ensuring the overall efficiency, reliability, and functionality of the systems architecture. This occupation involves analyzing user requirements, designing system specifications, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and managing the integration and testing of various components. Principal Systems Engineers also provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, troubleshoot issues, and propose innovative solutions to improve system performance.

Skills: Principal Systems Engineer, Systems Architecture, Design and Development, Technical Guidance, Integration and Testing, System Performance Improvement
Job industry: Engineering

How much does Principal Systems Engineer make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Principal Systems Engineer a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Principal Systems Engineer is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Principal Systems Engineer?

High salary for Principal Systems Engineer would be somewhere between 165,103 USD and 217,636 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Principal Systems Engineer in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 150,094 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,508 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,886 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 72 USD per hour
By working as Principal Systems Engineer a person can save up to 10,226 USD per month or 122,709 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Systems Engineer

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in United States

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Hospital staff pharmacist (116,813 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Owner real estate officefirm (87,626 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Retail shift supervisor (30,334 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Electronic accounts payment processor (36,774 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Referrals representative (39,957 USD per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results